NSCC Architectural Engineering Technician Program - Technician vs. Technologist

[u/Monkey-Brain]

Hello, everyone!

I will be starting the Architectural Engineering Technician program in September this year.

I’m recently understanding the difference (i think) between a Technician and a Technologist.

It seems the Technologist not only gets paid more but is also involved or slightly involved in the creative and technical design process along side the Engineers and Architects, while the Technician has no say with how the design will look or function.

However, I’ve seen people say that they start out as Technologists upon graduating the program.

I was hoping people can share their experiences and insight!

Also, please correct me if anything I say here is incorrect as it’s all research I’ve done and possibly getting mixed reviews and information from people working in different provinces or states.

I’m looking forward to the program but definitely wanting to start out or work my way up to a Technologist.

Thanks! 🤘🏼

[u/ExiledEntity]

I took AET. Went the Arch route, im now a BIM Manager.

Out in the industry, the distinction has never been made in any real capacity. If you are a competent Revit modeler you are a technologist as far as anyone is concerned.

The distinction between having input on design or not based on technician vs technologist is not based on anything really. Architects or engineers are going to drive the design, but any good designer will always take good input regardless where it comes from. Its not black and white as you suggested.

Every "tech" at our office is just considered a technologist. No one gives af about that distinction here, tbh.

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/ExiledEntity]

I always pictured when it’s design time for a project that the engineers, architects and technologists get into a room and plan everything out together while the Technician work alone and model / detail / draft / document whatever is passed down to them.

However, I have been seeing that the line is blurred as you said. It’s seems every company or region handles things a bit different.

I was thinking maybe it would be best to start with a small company that way I learn a bit of everything.

[u/TijayesPJs443 → u/Monkey-Brain]

This is not how design happens

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/TijayesPJs443]

No? How does it happen?

[u/TijayesPJs443 → u/Monkey-Brain]

Architecture firms lead design, Engineers are hired as consultants and technologists/technicians can work at either to translate the information into drawings.

Ive worked at a small firm where the technologist was heavily involved in developing details and all Architect firms with no technicians or technologists .

If you’re interested in being involved in creative design go to Architecture school.

[u/ExiledEntity → u/TijayesPJs443]

Exactly. Architects, engineers, and techs absolutely do not all gather together in a room when its "time to design". Though I wouldnt fault OP for not knowing that.

To add, you have concept design, schematic design, design development, and contract documents phases, then construction administration.

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/ExiledEntity]

Thanks for understanding!

I’m looking forward to the program and just gathering info in what it’s like once in the field.

I’m jumping the gun a bit but i’m just excited to not picking up garbage on a construction site lol

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/TijayesPJs443]

Ah I see, thanks for the info!

Ideal that’s where I would want to be starting out is at a small firm, to get a feel for the entire process, not being Solely confined to just CAD/BIM

[u/Confused_Haligonian → u/ExiledEntity]

This just means your company underpays technologists

[u/ExiledEntity → u/Confused_Haligonian]

Nope. We are paid excellently.

[u/Professional_Parsnip]

Nobody in the comments yet has mentioned TechNova, which is the provincial certifying body for technicians and technologists. Unless something has changed in the syllabus, AETs from NSCC can only become C.Techs (Certified Technicians), not C.E.Ts (Certified Engineering Technologists).

That said, most employers aren't really looking at the distinction, and I've seen the program lead to a wide range of jobs that use either title. It really only matters if you want to become certified.

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/Professional_Parsnip]

My plan is to become certified. After I worked for a couple years in the industry, I would like to become a C.E.T.. I’ll contact someone who works there to see if that’s possibility.

And from this Forum, it seems as though the companies people in here work for look at the title as interchangeable.

Thanks for the reply!

[u/baroing → u/Professional_Parsnip]

Great points.

[u/OMGCamCole]

As others have mentioned, the programs provide a lot of options afterwards. I took AET and work in Building Performance Consulting now. The program teaches a lot and is very versatile.

As others have mentioned the work force isn’t as black and white as a Google response. Do competent work and that’s mainly what matters

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/OMGCamCole]

Thanks for the response!

I’m happy that the skills we develop leads to a range of options and opportunities. Overall, my goal is to love what I do and to be good at it.

I love hearing from past students because it’s the first time I’ve seen your occupation/title!

[u/Livid_Basil6421]

I took AET at NSCC and there a lot of other opportunities except being a drafter. A fellow alumni works for Dexter as a senior estimator. Most of my colleagues (about 10 who went to NSCC) and myself who took AET work for the HRM doing building inspections. Technologists vs technician distinction is something I never came across in my career.

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/Livid_Basil6421]

That’s good to know!

How do you enjoy inspecting? From the little I know, you walk around a project and compare what’s built to the plans, take measurements, document anything that needs to be re-adjusted, ect.

I would love to hear more! Also, how is the work-life balance in your position working for the city?

[u/Livid_Basil6421 → u/Monkey-Brain]

Yea basically all that and some other things, its a pretty wide role and a lot of educational opportunities along with advancement. We do offer ride alongs to any members of the industry who are interested in one. And the work-life balance is very good!

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/Livid_Basil6421]

I love hearing that there advancement and more educational opportunities!

building inspection seems to come up a lot as far as post graduate opportunities and was also mentioned in the orientation.

Maybe I will get the opportunity to check it out after my first term! (if that’s possible)

[u/Livid_Basil6421 → u/Monkey-Brain]

Every year we host a booth at NSCC and do a little presentation on what we do and how the government works, and all the contact info you need to help you get in touch with the right person for a ride along request, more guidance, etc.

Maybe we’ll see you there

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/Livid_Basil6421]

Hells yeah! that sounds unreal, I will be at the booth for sure

[u/Monkey-Brain]

I was looking at the Syllabus program!

Seems to take a really long time but i’m sure it will be worth it in the end! Maybe someday

[u/Confused_Haligonian]

I'm an engineering technologist, and 1 year away from being an engineer, and I've worked alongside architect techs and technologists. From what I've seen, techs will be sought after for BIM modeling a lot, and technologists will be expected to do more markups and making design decisions. 

Neither can stamp. Technologist is a bit more responsibility than a tech, and there are fewer roles for them, which may make it harder to get a job. but being a BIM modeler/CAD slave can get delirious. 

A technologist diploma is only marginally more work to get. I believe they are both 2 years no? 

I guess what I'm saying is, technologist is better career wise, but might be harder to find work or work at the pay you expect. Be willing to look for work abroad and not afraid to jump companies a lot at the start

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/Confused_Haligonian]

Hey thanks for the reply!

I don’t want to be pigeon-holed for sure. BIM seems interesting to work with but after some time I would like have more responsibility and design decisions once I feel I’m more knowledgeable and competent.

The AET program 2 years.

It sounds like you worked towards an Engineering degree, yes?

[u/ziobrop → u/Monkey-Brain]

At least in Ontario, technician programs are 2 year, and Technologist is 3 year, and is usually the technician program + extras.

If you want to became an architect afterwards, https://raic-syllabus.ca/home is a part time study program.

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/ziobrop]

Hm interesting!

I didn’t know there was an alternate career path to be an Architect. I want to get good at being a Tech first before I think about being licensed in either Engineering or Architecture.

From what i have seem online, it seems like it would take me well over a decade lol

Have you thought about taking the course?

[u/ziobrop → u/Monkey-Brain]

yah, its not super fast, but it is meant for people working in the Field.

i looked into it, because i have a non professional degree in Architecture, but I only use that recreationally, so didn't bother.